Overview
- The CBS telecast averaged an estimated 2.65 million viewers, about 35% below 2024.
- Trump became the first sitting president to host the Honors, delivering a lengthy opening that CBS sharply shortened for broadcast.
- The board overseeing the institution voted to rename it the Trump‑Kennedy Center, and Trump currently chairs the board.
- Attendance for major productions in early fall fell to its lowest level since the pandemic following leadership changes, according to data cited by the Washington Post.
- Honorees were Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS, with tributes and appearances by Carrie Manolakos, Laura Osnes, David Phelps, Kelsey Grammer, Miranda Lambert, Kurt Russell, and others.